Will the Unemployment Rate Affect My Workers’ Comp?
July 18, 2020
If you have been injured at work, you are entitled to workers’ compensation, regardless of the country’s unemployment rate.
As a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment rates have risen dramatically. The unemployment rate in the U.S. is at about 11% as of June 2020; before the pandemic, it was under 4%.
The rising unemployment rate has led to many asking questions about their jobs and financial security. For workers who are out on workers’ compensation, many are asking: “Will the unemployment rate affect my workers’ compensation?” Here is what you need to know:
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation insurance is state-mandated insurance that most employers are required to carry. With workers’ compensation insurance, an employee can receive compensation for their medical bills, as well as a portion of their lost wages, when they are injured on the job.
What is Unemployment Insurance?
Unemployment insurance, on the other hand, provides cash benefits to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are entirely separate and distinct programs. The only time that these programs might overlap is in the event that a worker is trying to collect both unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits, which is only permitted in a handful of circumstances.
Will My Workers’ Compensation Insurance be Affected by the Unemployment Rate?
Your workers’ compensation insurance claim should not be affected by the current unemployment rate, especially if your claim has settled; benefits should be paid out per the terms of your settlement. If your claim has not yet settled or you are just beginning the process of filing a claim, your employer may not be eager to pay out your claim in light of the financial hardship that many businesses are experiencing. However, denying your claim based on this is not lawful.
What Should I do if I Have Questions About My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim or believe that your claim has been wrongly denied, one of the wisest things that you can do is to connect with an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in workers’ compensation law. Your attorney can answer any questions that you have, represent you when you file your claim, help you to appeal a denied claim, negotiate your settlement, and more. An attorney can also answer any questions you have about how unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation insurance may interact, and what you should know if you are filing a claim for either or both.
Call the Rooth Law Firm, P.A. Today
At the Rooth Law Firm, P.A., our experienced Florida attorney is board-certified, passionate, and highly experienced. Our team knows that it can be confusing to be injured at work; we want to make sure that you have the support you need as you navigate the claims process. To learn more about our Florida workers’ compensation lawyer and your rights when you are injured on the job, please call us today or send us a message online. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.